Portfolio Insights:“The mission of the University is to be committed to enriching the lives of its students through its land, sea and urban grant traditions. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are united in one common purpose; to learn and lead together. The University values (1) creativity and scholarship (2) diversity, fairness and respect, (3) engaged learning and civic involvement, and (4) intellectual and ethical leadership. The University’s Transformation Goals for the 21st Century are: (1) create a 21st century 24/7 learning environment, (2) increase the magnitude, prominence, and impact of research, scholarship and creative work, (3) internationalize and globalize the University, and (4) build a community at the University that values and embraces equity and diversity.” (Source)

1) For the purpose of making research discoveries and helping support further research at the University of Rhode Island, the Board of Governors for Higher Education hereby designates the University of Rhode Island Foundation as its patent management arm and hereby appoints it as its agent to apply for, accept assignments of service, administer and market patents, plant protection rights, and other forms of intellectual property and to take steps to protect such rights.

Revenue received from these efforts shall be distributed by the Foundation in accordance with the approved patent and other intellectual property policies of the University. (Source)

2) In July 2009, the University of Rhode Island Foundation elected Anna to the Executive Board. Along with her duties as Associate Vice President for Grant Programs, Anna currently co-leads the grant making for the Foundation and serves on the board of the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island. Anna lives in North Providence with her husband William and their two young sons, Cano and Moises. (Source)

3) Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today it donated $10,000 to University of Rhode Island (URI) Foundation. Funds will be used to support URI’s Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) program.

“The SMILE program fosters in youth the interest in learning science and math, and the motivation to remain in school, graduate, and go onto college,” said Carol Englander, director, SMILE Program. “Thanks to donations from companies like Eaton, SMILE has established programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels in South Kingstown, West Warwick, Woonsocket, and Central Falls.” (Source)

4) Thomas J. Silvia, chairman of the URI Foundation Executive Board, today announced that Michael J. Smith has been named as the new president of the URI Foundation. Smith, a high-level administrator serving most recently as vice president for development for the Kansas State University Foundation, will officially begin December 1st.

“We are very pleased that Michael has agreed to come on board as the Foundation’s new president. We were unanimous in our decision and feel strongly that he possesses the ideal mix of extensive, hands-on fundraising knowledge, strategy development experience and proven management skills that will help take charitable giving at URI to the next level,” said Silvia. (Source)

5) A new $1-million donation to the University of Rhode Island from Alex and Ani, LLC will support natural product research and the discovery of plant-based molecules to improve human well-being. In recognition of the generous gift, the University will name a research lab in the $75 million, state-of-the-art College of Pharmacy building on the Kingston campus, the Alex and Ani Impact Lab.

“We are excited to have an association with a leading Rhode Island and world-class brand like Alex and Ani,” said URI President David M. Dooley. “With our faculty, and our undergraduate and graduate students all contributing to ever expanding possibilities for research, innovation and discovery in this lab, we are confident that the internationally recognized work being conducted here will have a positive impact on our university as well as the state’s economy. We are grateful to Alex and Ani for its support of the University of Rhode Island.” (Source)

About Richard C. Wilson

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